7 Common Commercial Kitchen Problems Melbourne Restaurants Face (And How Professional Cleaners Fix Them)

Running a commercial kitchen in Melbourne isn’t easy. Between tight service schedules, staff shortages, and strict council regulations, cleaning often becomes reactive rather than proactive. Unfortunately, this is exactly what leads many Melbourne cafés, restaurants, and cloud kitchens to failed inspections, fire risks, and unexpected shutdowns.

In this blog, we break down the most common commercial kitchen issues Melbourne food businesses face, and explain how professional commercial kitchen cleaners solve them before they turn into costly problems.

1. Grease Build-Up on Exhaust Hoods & Ducts

The problem: Grease vapours from cooking settle inside exhaust hoods, filters, and ducting. Over time, this becomes a major fire hazard.

Why it’s common in Melbourne kitchens: High-volume cooking, extended operating hours, and inconsistent deep cleaning schedules.

The risk:

• Fire safety violations

• Insurance issues

• Council non-compliance

How professional cleaners fix it: Commercial kitchen cleaners use degreasing chemicals, hot water pressure cleaning, and hood-specific tools to remove built-up grease safely and thoroughly.

2. Greasy Floors Causing Slips and Accidents

The problem: Kitchen floors accumulate oil, food residue, and moisture, making them dangerously slippery.

The risk:

• Staff injuries

• Workers’ compensation claims

• Poor workplace safety audits

Professional solution: Professional cleaners use non-slip floor treatments, rotary scrubbers, and food-safe degreasers to restore grip and hygiene.

3. Blocked or Poorly Maintained Grease Traps

The problem: Grease traps fill up faster than expected and are often ignored until a blockage occurs.

Why this is critical in Melbourne: Local councils enforce strict waste disposal rules for food businesses.

The risk:

• Foul odours

• Drain blockages

• Council fines

Professional solution: Scheduled grease trap cleaning prevents build-up and ensures compliance with Melbourne council requirements.

4. Cross-Contamination in Food Prep Areas

The problem: Improper cleaning between raw and cooked food areas leads to bacterial spread.

The risk:

• Food poisoning incidents

• Failed health inspections

• Reputation damage

  
  

Professional solution: Commercial cleaners follow colour-coded cleaning systems and sanitisation protocols aligned with food safety standards.

5. Hard-to-Reach Areas Being Ignored

The problem: Behind equipment, under benches, and ceiling corners are often skipped during daily cleaning.

The risk:

• Pest infestations

• Hidden grease accumulation

• Inspection failures

  
  

Professional solution: Professional kitchen cleaners conduct deep cleans, moving equipment and addressing areas staff can’t reach safely.

6. Pest Attraction Due to Improper Cleaning

The problem: Food residue and grease attract rodents and insects.

Why Melbourne kitchens are vulnerable: Dense urban areas and shared waste systems.

Professional solution: Thorough cleaning removes pest-attracting residues and supports pest control efforts.

7. Failing Health & Safety Inspections

The problem: Many businesses only realise cleaning gaps when an inspection fails.

The consequence:

• Temporary closure

• Loss of revenue

• Negative online reviews

  
  

Professional solution: Regular commercial kitchen cleaning ensures your kitchen stays inspection-ready at all times.

Why Melbourne Businesses Choose Professional Commercial Kitchen Cleaning

Professional cleaning isn’t about replacing your staff, it’s about supporting them with expertise, equipment, and compliance knowledge.

At CarePlus Cleaning Solutions, we specialise in:

• Commercial kitchen deep cleaning

• Exhaust hood & duct cleaning

• Grease trap maintenance

• Food-safe sanitisation

  
  

We operate 24/7 across Melbourne, working around your kitchen hours to minimise disruption.

Final Thoughts

If your kitchen is constantly battling grease, inspections, or safety concerns, it’s often a sign that professional commercial kitchen cleaning is no longer optional, it’s essential.

A cleaner kitchen means safer staff, better inspections, and greater peace of mind.